Chateau Grand Traverse

Producer website

Many Estate Rieslings here are made from the first substantial commercial plantation of Riesling in Michigan (bud wood from Schloss Vollrads), circa 1972 and following, on the eastern or north-eastern Lake Michigan Shoreline, near Traverse City and the Traverse Bays region. Up to this point the climate in the region was thought to be too severe for Riesling. It is also the first commercial plantation of any size on the Old Mission Peninsula (near Traverse City, Michigan), although wine had been grown previously on the Leelanau Peninsula, adjacent to the West across the West Arm of the Grand Traverse Bay. The lake effect is very intense, because not only is there the Lake Michigan effect, but effects from the West and East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay (into which the Old Mission Peninsula runs) and multiple large inland lakes to the east, west, north, and south. It could be said that this peninsula is surrounded by water on all six sides. Because of this there are often many feet of snow on the ground during an average winter. The climate is continental (hot and sometimes fairly dry in the summer, and cold in the winter, with a somewhat short growing season.) This Peninsula has long been famous for growing fruit (Montmorency [sour] cherries and apples). The main threat to fruit production and viticulture is early bud-break, in the months February through April, followed by frost, which can devastate flowering wood, such as happened in 2002 after a very warm February.

The winery is the property of the O'Keefe family, Edward O'Keefe, long in the Michigan wine business, and his five children, of whom some are directly active at present in vineyard or winery management. It's a largeish winery by Michigan standards, and may be by the measure of sales volume or case production the largest family-owned wine production operation in Michigan. It produces wines from grapes grown in Michigan, and also it produces wines from grapes grown outside Michigan in other American vineyards. It is a good thing when looking at labels to look for the AVA (American Viticultural Area) If the wine is made by the estate for sale in Michigan only, it doesn't have to have an AVA listed on the label, even if it is a vintage wine. So what you have in hand may be made from grapes grown in Washington State, the most common source outside Michigan, and it is perfectly legal for these grapes to be made into wine sold in Michigan and vintage-dated, as long as it's not intended to be commercialized outside Michigan.

For those of you who are interested in fine as distinguished from everyday wine, you really are more interested in the AVA wines. The best wines are made either in the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, or in the Leelanau Peninsula AVA from this region. At present, most of the fine wines you'll be interested in will be grown on the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, inside which is the Old Mission Peninsula AVA. These comments apply to many wineries in the region, not just to this one. The non-AVA are good and inexpensive, but lack the typicity and terroir typical of the best Old Mission wines.
rztraminer
The soils are generally glacial till on top of limestone reefs, sandy and poorly loamy. There are also plenty of glacial moraine materials scattered about, many from extremely old Canadian Shield igneous and other rocks dug out of the beds of the Great Lakes and their associated region. This means there is plenty of 'terroir' variation from vineyard to vineyard in the area, and here and other producers it is worth considering the small premium charged for vineyard-designated wines

The most important white grapes are those commonly grown in Alsace, Germany, and Burgundy, (Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinots blanc and gris, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer, and the most common red grapes are Bordeaux and Burgundy types, such as Pinot noir, Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, and Gamay. There are in general among other growers grapes called 'Riesling (or Euro-) Crosses' meant to ripen earlier and legal to plant in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, and crosses between Vinifera and Labrusca, that were commonly planted earlier when it was thought incorrectly that Vinifera would not survive the rigors of Eastern North Amercan and Michigan winters.
jht

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Group wines by:

• Wine Name
• Variety
• Vineyard
• Vintage

wine type	Name, Type, Locale	Year
Rosé	Chateau Grand Traverse etcetera (View Label Image) Rosé, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2016 2015 2013
Rosé	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Noir Vin Gris (View Label Image) Rosé, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
Rosé	Chateau Grand Traverse Select (View Label Image) Rosé, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2011 NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Chardonnay Barrel Fermented (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2007 2006 2002 2000 1998
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Chardonnay Reserve White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2006 1997 1989
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Chardonnay Select Unoaked White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Dry Riesling (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2001
White	Chateau Grand Traverse etcetera (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Gewürztraminer (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2017 2013 2007
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Gewürztraminer 'Eclectic' DRY White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2011
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Gewürztraminer Dry White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2013 2011 2007 2005
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Gewürztraminer Dry Chateau Grand Traverse Home Vineyard White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2007
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Gewürztraminer Small Lot (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Grüner Veltliner (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula	2020 2016 2009
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Grüner Veltliner Grü Vin (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2016
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Grüner Veltliner Laika (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2016 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Grüner Veltliner Small Lot (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Handstand White (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Mich Mash (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan	2020 2018 2015 NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Muscat (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Muscat Ottonel (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2020
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Picnic Semidry White White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Blanc (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2022
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Grigio (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Grigio Festival Time White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2008
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Grigio Select (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2014 NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Gris Small Lot (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2020
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 1987
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Block Twelve (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2018
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Grand Hotel Semi-Dry White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2015
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Sweet Harvest White, USA, Michigan	2007 NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Whole Cluster (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2022 2021 2020 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Select Harvest Dry Johannisberg Riesling (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2004 1999 1995 1985
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Select Semidry Riesling (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2010 1997 NV
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Ship of Fools (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002
White	Chateau Grand Traverse Waters Sweet White (View Label Image) White, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White - Off-dry	Chateau Grand Traverse Edelzwicker (View Label Image) White - Off-dry, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2012 2011 2007 2006 2005 2002
White - Off-dry	Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling (View Label Image) White - Off-dry, USA, Michigan	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1988 1985 1984
White - Off-dry	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling 'Lot 49'; Cuvée Molly Devine (View Label Image) White - Off-dry, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2018 2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
White - Off-dry	Chateau Grand Traverse Semi-Dry Riesling (View Label Image) White - Off-dry, USA, Michigan	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2001
White - Off-dry	Chateau Grand Traverse Semi-Dry Riesling (View Label Image) White - Off-dry, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2019 2018 2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2009 2007 2006 2005 2002 NV
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2015 2002
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Cabernet Franc (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2011
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Cabernet Franc Reserve (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2016 2013 2012
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Cabernet Sauvignon Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	1976
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Ensemble Red (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2020
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse etcetera (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2015 2014
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Gamay Noir (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2006 1998
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Gamay Noir Limited Bottling (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2008 2007 2006 2005
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Gamay Noir Reserve (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2018 2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2000 1997 1996
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Handstand Red (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2022 2021 NV
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Merlot Reserve (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2007 2006 2005 1998
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Mich Mash (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 NV
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Noir (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2007 2005 2004
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Pinot Noir Reserve (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2007 2006 2005 1998
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Proprietor's Reserve (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2002 2001 1999
Red	Chateau Grand Traverse Silhouette (View Label Image) Red, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2019 2018 2017 2016 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Fruit/Vegetable Wine	Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Fruit/Vegetable Wine, USA, Michigan, Lake Michigan Shore	2009
Fruit/Vegetable Wine	Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry (View Label Image) Fruit/Vegetable Wine, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
Fruit/Vegetable Wine	Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Cherry Reserve Chateau Grand Traverse (View Label Image) Fruit/Vegetable Wine, USA, Michigan	2013 NV
Fruit/Vegetable Wine	Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Cherry White Wine Blend (View Label Image) Fruit/Vegetable Wine, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
Fruit/Vegetable Wine	Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Ginseng (View Label Image) Fruit/Vegetable Wine, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
Fruit/Vegetable Wine	Chateau Grand Traverse Plum Reserve (View Label Image) Fruit/Vegetable Wine, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Chardonnay Botrytis White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2013
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Chardonnay Late Harvest (View Label Image) White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2019 2018 2003
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Botrytis (View Label Image) White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2010 2007 2005
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Botrytis Berry Selected Harvest White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	1982
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Ice Wine (View Label Image) White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2016 2008 2005 1999 1995 1992 1987
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Whole Cluster White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2004 2002
White - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Select Sweet Harvest Riesling (View Label Image) White - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2014 NV
Red - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Select (View Label Image) Red - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	2018 NV
Red - Sweet/Dessert	Chateau Grand Traverse Woods (View Label Image) Red - Sweet/Dessert, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
Red - Fortified	Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Port (View Label Image) Red - Fortified, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV
Red - Fortified	Chateau Grand Traverse Spiced Cherry Wine Red - Fortified, USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula	NV